Sign in using backup codes

If you lose your phones or otherwise can't get codes via text, voice call, or Google Authenticator, you can use backup codes to sign in. If you don't have your security key, you can also use these codes to sign in.

After you’ve used a backup code to sign in, it will become inactive.

You can generate a new set of 10 codes whenever you want. After creating a new set, the old set will automatically become inactive.

We recommend you store your codes wherever you keep your other valuable items. Like the codes on your phone, backup codes are only valuable to someone if they manage to also steal your password.

Create and view a set of backup codes

Under Backup codes, click Setup or Show codes.You can print or download your codes. Note that to see Backup codes, 2-Step Verification must be turned on.

If you think you backup codes were stolen or if you're running out, select Get new codes. Your old set of backup codes will automatically become inactive.

Can't find the backup codes you downloaded? Search your computer for "Backup-codes-username.txt" with your username. For example, if your username is google123, search for "Backup-codes-google123.txt."